Parking lots along Angeles Crest Highway, not a developed campground, define what this spot actually is. Set within Angeles National Forest, this dispersed pull-off sits above the Los Angeles basin and gives vehicle campers direct sightlines toward the city skyline and surrounding ridgelines. It functions best as an overnight stop for van dwellers and car campers rather than tent campers, as reviewers note there is no flat ground suitable for pitching a tent.
Crowd patterns vary significantly by day of the week. On weekends, the overlook draws local traffic well past midnight, including cars doing donuts in the lot, which multiple reviewers flagged as disruptive. Weeknights tend to run quieter. Bears have been reported in the area, so food storage precautions apply. Cell coverage is inconsistent, with some carriers getting no signal at all, so downloading offline maps before arriving makes sense. Gould Mesa Trail Campground and Oakwilde Trail Campground are nearby alternatives with more traditional campsite setups for those who want something more structured.
As Joey B. put it, this is a "last minute late night hold over stop," and that framing captures the situation honestly. There are no toilets, no fire rings, and no shade. Campers planning to use this spot on a weeknight and moving on early will have the most straightforward experience. Bring everything you need, including water, before heading up the highway.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsAngeles Crest Overlook to LA is located in California near La Cañada Flintridge
Coordinates
34.23036611 N
118.1812733 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/27/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 7/27/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/27/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/27/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 7/27/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/27/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Angeles Crest Overlook to LA needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 29 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 8 min from Oxnard, CA
- 1 hr 31 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 8 min from San Diego, CA







